Hair loss is when hair thins or falls out. If you’re like most people, it can affect you both emotionally and socially.
You may feel less confident due to changes in appearance. So, you might find yourself withdrawing from social situations to hide your condition.
It’s not just physical though. It’s psychological too. Hair loss can disrupt daily life and hinder personal relationships.
With all these impacts and disruptions, you may want to see a doctor who can treat hair loss or constantly wonder; what could be making you to lose so much hair. That’s what this guide is all about. We created it to answer the concern; why you’re suddenly losing so much hair. Keep reading!
What Causes Sudden Excessive hair Loss?
Hair loss can be concerning, but understanding its underlying causes can make all the difference for effective management. That said, if you’re experiencing sudden hair loss, any of the factors below could be the reason for your troubles;
- Telogen Effluvium: Stress, illness, or significant life changes can disrupt your natural hair growth cycle. Normally, hair goes through phases of growth, transition, and shedding. Telogen effluvium occurs when more hair than usual enters the shedding phase due to external factors like stress or an illness. The sudden increase in hair shedding might be alarming, but it’s usually temporary. As the body recovers or stress levels reduce, hair growth typically returns to its normal pattern.
- Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. It is known to make the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack hair follicles. This may lead to sudden and often unpredictable hair loss in patches. This condition is believed to arise from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. The immune response targets hair follicles. This makes them to shrink and enter a dormant phase. Although the exact cause remains uncertain, factors like stress or viral infections might contribute to triggering alopecia areata.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormones play a significant role in hair growth regulation. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can lead to hormonal imbalances. These imbalances can disrupt your hair growth cycle. When this happens, you may experience a rapid hair loss. For instance, elevated levels of androgens in PCOS can lead to excess hair shedding. Proper diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders are crucial for addressing hair loss caused by hormonal changes.
- Medical Treatments: Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, but the drugs used target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. This can result in significant hair loss during treatment. The good news is that this hair loss is often temporary. So, it can be reversed once the treatment is completed. The regrowth process might take time. However, with patience, most individuals can regain their hair once their body recovers from the effects of chemotherapy.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Hair growth requires a range of nutrients, including iron, zinc, and biotin. Inadequate intake of these essential nutrients can impact the hair growth cycle. A sudden deficiency can lead to increased hair shedding. For instance, a lack of iron can hinder the production of hemoglobin. This is the protein vital for transporting oxygen to hair follicles. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these nutrients is essential to maintain healthy hair.
- Medications: Certain medications, like anticoagulants, antidepressants, or beta-blockers, have been associated with hair loss as a side effect. These medications can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. This disruption is what may cause the increased shedding. If you notice hair loss while taking any medications, please consult your doctor. They can evaluate whether the medication is contributing to the issue and discuss potential alternatives or solutions.
- Traction Alopecia: Tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or extensions can exert excessive tension on the hair follicles. Over time, this constant pulling can damage the follicles and lead to hair loss. Traction alopecia is a common issue among individuals who frequently wear tight hairstyles. To prevent this type of hair loss, opt for looser hairstyles. Also, avoid constant pulling on the hair.
- Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections of the scalp can lead to inflammation. In turn, this may weaken the hair follicles and cause hair to fall out in clumps. These infections can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. Importantly, they may also lead to significant hair loss. Maintaining proper scalp hygiene and promptly treating any scalp infections can help prevent this type of hair loss.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as lupus or diabetes, can also trigger hair loss. In the case of lupus, the body’s immune response can affect hair follicles. This effect is what may lead to hair shedding. Similarly, uncontrolled diabetes can disrupt your body’s natural processes. This may include hair growth. Proper management and treatment of these underlying medical conditions are essential for addressing hair loss.
- Sudden Weight Loss: Drastic weight loss, often resulting from crash diets or eating disorders, can shock the body’s systems. In such situations, the body prioritizes essential functions over non-essential ones like hair growth. This can lead to significant hair shedding. Gradual, sustainable weight loss methods are recommended to minimize the impact on hair health.
Should I be Concerned if I’m Losing a Lot of Hair?
If you’re losing a lot of hair, it’s natural to have concerns. Now, losing around 50 to 100 hairs daily is normal, but if you notice more, consulting a hair doctor is wise.
If it’s temporary, like stress-induced shedding, your hair doctor can provide guidance to manage it. If it’s a chronic problem, they’ll develop a personalized plan.
Hair doctors offer several solutions for hair loss in Singapore. Medications like minoxidil can promote hair growth.
Finasteride may help for certain types of hair loss. Procedures like hair transplants or laser therapy might be suitable. They’ll advise you on lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and stress reduction, which affect hair health.
During your visit, the hair doctor will discuss the best approach based on the cause, severity, and your preferences. They’ll guide you through the available options, explaining potential benefits and risks. If needed, they can address emotional concerns linked to hair loss.
A hair doctor’s expertise ensures a proper diagnosis and tailors a strategy to your needs. They can provide reassurance, answer your questions, and ease your worries about hair loss.
Final Thoughts on Hair Loss in Singapore
Excessive hair loss merits attention. Consulting a hair doctor for hair loss in Singapore can help you identify the cause and explore suitable solutions.
With their expertise, you can tackle hair loss effectively and regain confidence in your appearance. Don’t hesitate to seek expert help – it’s the first step toward healthier, happier hair. To schedule a consultation and compare your options, call or visit us at;
The Artisan FUE Hair Clinic
435 Orchard Road
#20-03 Wisma Atria Office Tower
Singapore 238877
+658909 7887
https://www.artisanfueclinic.sg/
